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Minister of Media Mangala Samaraweera has condemned recent attacks on two Sri Lankan journalists who contributed to the New York Times report on massive financial misappropriation linked to the former regime.

Minister of Finance and Media Information Mangala Samaraweera in a statement said he was alarmed by recent attacks and vehemently condemned "such practices where journalists are attacked for doing their job."

Reiterating the government's commitment to ensure that all journalists are safe to do their work, "even when that means brooking scathing criticism against this administration by the media," the Minister said there must be an "immediate halt to these practices."

He called on the leadership of SLPP to take full responsibility for these attacks and ensure that there is no repetition of this behavior.

Source : Colombo Page

Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera in a special statement today said that the dark years of the Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency witnessed the highest number of journalists killed, disappeared, attacked and threatened including attacks made on media houses.  

Samaraweera condemned the virulent personal attacks made by individuals linked to the JO and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in a bid to intimidate the journalists who worked on the New York Times report. 

Full statement by Minister Samaraweera is as follows;

"I was alarmed by recent attacks on two Sri Lankan journalists who contributed to the New York Times report on massive financial misappropriation linked to the former regime in Sri Lanka.

These allegations must be immediately investigated by the relevant authorities and action taken against perpetrators without fear or favour. But I am also disturbed with the virulent personal attacks by individuals linked to the JO and the SLPP in a bid to intimidate journalists who worked on the NYT report, attacking them for doing their job in reporting hugely questionable transactions amounting to billions of rupees that occurred under the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime.

As Media Minister, I vehemently condemn such practices where journalists are attacked for doing their job. There must be an immediate halt to these practices. Further, the SLPP leadership must take full responsibility for these attacks and ensure that there is no repetition of this behaviour.

This government came into power with the promise of media freedom and to break away from the violent tendencies of the previous government. The dark years of the Mahinda Rajapaksa presidency witnessed the highest number of journalists killed, disappeared, attacked and threatened and media houses attacked. We will not return to those dark years where individuals were targeted for unveiling the truth and reporting facts.

We now have a government that respects fundamental freedoms and civil liberties and upholds media freedom. This government reiterates its commitment to ensure that all journalists are safe to do their work, even when that means brooking scathing criticism against this administration by the media. Those who threaten our rights and freedoms must be condemned and held accountable for their actions".

Sri Lanka Navy Ship Nandimithra rescued 3 Somali fishermen stranded at sea about 115 nautical miles off Galle Lighthouse yesterday. 
 
Receiving a distress call from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources about a Somali fishing vessel along with 3 persons onboard lost at sea, the Naval Headquarters promptly dispatched SLNS Nandimithra with a team of Medical Assistants to the location by 5.20 p.m. yesterday to rescue them.
 
Having reached the location, the Navy Medical Assistants aboard SLNS Nandimithra administered first aid to the distressed fishermen and they were later safely brought to the Galle harbour and handed over to the Galle Police.

A policeman attached to the Tellippalai Police was found dead in a guard room at the office of the Kankesanthurai Superintendent of Police. He appeared to have shot himself with his service weapon while on duty. 

The policeman was identified as 25-year-old Nazeer. The reason for his suicide has not been revealed the Police said.

For the first time in the history of Sri Lankan film industry, a movie from the local industry will vie for the Oscars in 2019.
 
The movie titled 'The Frozen Fire', directed by Anuruddha Jayasinghe is the first Sri Lankan movie to enter in mainstream 'Best Picture' category of Oscars 2019, officials revealed.
 
The preview show of 'The Frozen Fire' was screened on Tuesday at the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka.
 
Sri Lankan movies have only entered twice in Oscars before this, that too in the 'Best Foreign Language Film" category.
 
The movie's plot follows the life of Wijeweera, his close associates and those whose political and personal lives are entwined with his on account of their ideological preferences. The film's makers take the viewer through the turbulent twelve years from Wijeweera's release from jail until his ghastly murder in the late 1980's through the multiple viewpoints of Wijeweera, his family, friends, comrades and detractors.

Source : Colombo Page

Lanka Sathosa, Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned retail chain has successfully boosted its own turnover with stronger numbers to Rs 31 Billion, highest so far.
 
“I am pleased to say that Lanka Sathosa achieved Rs 31 Billion turnover last year, the highest so far in this network with 15% growth compared to 2016. Also Lanka Sathosa is the main mechanism of the Unity government to give the lowest prices for consumers and a key mechanism in the determination of Sri Lanka’s cost of living” Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said at the launch of Lanka Sathosa’s new website www.lankasathosa.org. 
 
According to officials the new portal will move to e-commerce next. “We are working towards e-commerce transactions from this website starting from January 2019. This new approach could be give a big boost for our sales” said CEO-Lanka Sathosa Dr Mohamed Faraz. “Lanka Sathosa total turnover is Rs 31 Bn –a 15% growth compared to 2016“ he added.
 
The growth trend became even stronger this year. In the first six months of 2018, turnover grew by 16% when national FMCG sector in the same six months showed a decline of 12%, according to AC Nielsen.
 
Lanka Sathosa now has 398 outlets island-wide with over 5000 employees, and is now preparing to launch a set of mega stores as part of its network expansion to reach out to other consumer segments.

Presidential Secretary Austin Fernando, tendered his resignation yesterday. It was long speculated that Fernando had wished to resign from his post, even going on to hand over a letter of resignation to the President on June 12 which the latter had refused to accept. 

However, he bid farewell to his post yesterday. In his farewell speech, he said his resignation had been agreed upon with the President on May 22. 

“Since I have no ill-earned assets from irregular means and I have not been part to murder, torture, disappearances or wrongful punishment of any person,” he said adding that even tomorrow, he can walk on any street anywhere without security personnel surrounding him.  “I am a free man with a free conscience. I am finally free” he further added. 
‘
Noting that he was never a political acolyte of the President or Prime Minister’s political parties he said he supported the duo in their fights for peace, reconciliation, good governance and social justice. He also mentioned that when the President and Prime Minister were not in power there were no large crowds that you see today at their homes and offices. “Some of those gathered are the very people who were their bitter opponents. But currently, they enjoy exclusive posts and many worldly comforts” he pointed out. 

Reminding that the state is a bigger and greater concept than a government Fernando claimed in his life, his conscience and service to the country have always been more important than individual politicians and political power. 

Sirisena appointed Fernando as a presidential adviser on 15 January of 2015. He was thereafter appointed Governor of the Eastern Province on the 27th of January 2015. He resigned in order to become Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka on the 1st of July 2017.
Austin Fernando’s farewell speech in full courtesy of Colombo Telegraph : 

Born on 12th June 1942, having had my primary education at Hikkaduwa Sinhala School, post-primary education at Richmond College, Galle, I was admitted to University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in July 1960. As a young graduate I entered the teaching profession in May 1963 and joined the Ceylon Administrative Service (CAS) in October 1967. 

Starting my new CAS career in Batticaloa District, I had an extremely eventful and memorable stint in the public service. I was appointed a Secretary of a Ministry, at the young age of 44. Although it was an enviable age to rise to such position, I also experienced the departure from public service in an abrupt manner in August 1996 at the unripe age of 54. When I did depart the service in 1996, I did so to uphold my unwavering principle of integrity. It repeated in November 2003. None would envy that for sure. But this experience was also for the best. Due to my employment in the private sector I was able to fund my daughter’s education in Pakistan which I was finding difficult as a government servant. Today when I see her carrying out her post graduate education at University of Oxford, I reflect that being removed from government service at that time was a blessing. Today, too, I leave with the conviction that everything happens for the best. 
In 1996 I left government service keeping my uncontested integrity intact. This time in 2018 my departure may also seem abrupt to you. Many may interpret it in different ways. Social media have been discussing it for some time now. But it was discussed and agreed with His Excellency the President on 22nd of May 2018 at his office. I leave today at the mature age of 76. At 76, the world is a philosophical place! 
Free man with a free conscience

Since 1996, I joined the public sector twice from the private sector – in December 2001 – as Secretary Defense and as Advisor and Governor of Eastern Province in January 2015, following as Secretary to HE the President in July 2017. The last position is the peak a public officer could reach in public service. It is a respected, sought after, esteemed position: a jewel on a crown. 

I have pleasant and unpleasant memories of my present tenure. I will not discuss the unpleasant memories. Some of the memories encouraged me to leave public service and reminded me that the time has come for me to leave the secretariat. My thankful gratitude goes to two private sector organizations that gave me shelter when I needed it most- the Resources Development Consultants Ltd (for 5 years plus) and Japann International Cooperation Agency , Sri Lanka Office (for 11 years).   

For a mere clerk’s son, without any political, social, or ancestral ties, to reach the apex position in public service proves that Sri Lanka is a country of opportunity, if one has perseverance, efficiency and integrity. I have done my part with total integrity, impartially, without malice towards anyone, even when I had been ill-treated, misunderstood, penalized, slandered etc.  Tomorrow the same slandering and insults will begin. But I shall remove them from my heart with a smile, reflecting that this is the nature of the world. 

Since I have no ill earned assets from irregular means and I have not been part to murder, torture, disappearances or wrongful punishment of any person. Tomorrow, I can walk on any street anywhere without security personnel surrounding me. Even in the times I was provided a large number of security personnel, I used them to the minimal.  I am a free man with a free conscience. I am finally free. 
Straight line in the ECG means you are dead

The Indian business tycoon Ratan Tata said “Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive.” I was alive always and full of life and vigor and went on to work late hours, carry on with long meetings and continued at home too when there was an overflow of files from office. The delay of a file in my room would have been always less than 24 hours. If there were delays those were connected to payment of public monies. I was the Chief Accounting Officer of this secretariat. 

I engaged in difficult tasks related to constructive actions by this government.  I was a member of the Working Group that drafted the concept paper and an outline of the draft legislation for the creation of the Office of the Missing Person. I chaired the Working Group that drafted the concept paper and an outline of the draft legislation for the reparation mechanism to be presented before the Parliament soon. I contributed to the Sub Committee where preparatory work was done for the Parliamentary Steering Committee in formulating a new Constitution for Sri Lanka. I am a great believer of reconciliation, democracy and good governance and this was a reason why I committed for such endeavors. 
I thank my betters and the officers of the stat

When I leave public life today after 55 years since joining the teaching profession I have to appreciate many ‘greats’ such as EF Dias Abeysinghe, DBIPS Sirivardhane, Dharmasiri Peiris, Bradman Weerakoon, Shelton Wanasinghe, Baku Mahadeva, Minister Gamani Jayasuriya etc.  Let me begin from the minor employees, lower, middle and non-executive grades of officers like others who stood with me through thick and thin throughout my career. Even the smallest worker who have stuck with me through thick and thin have contributed my standing here today. Whether they are here or not, I thank them all. 

There were executive grade officials of various disciplines and services other than the Sri Lanka Administrative Service officers who gave their fullest to me. I think them. They all know that I did my best to uplift their professional conditions. In fact I took the lead to implementing the monthly allowance of   50 000 rupees for cabinet secretaries. Even for the ministry of justice, I did the same with the support of Hon Attorney General and Hon Chief Justice. Even if any other service justified such facility I would have assisted them as well.

Throughout my career I have worked with non-governmental organizations- local and international, diplomats, civil society groups, trade unions and Associations, media organizations, religious dignitaries at the highest and local levels and their institutions, legal personnel at various levels inclusive of the Hon Chief Justice and Judges of the Superior Courts, Hon Attorney General, Independent Commissions etc. I am thankful to all of them for having given me their best professional support when I needed it most. I thank them.

I have actively engaged in political activities from my young days. When I was climbing the ladder in the public service I started disconnecting myself from political leadership. It was because I was not entitled to political rights after joining Ceylon Administrative Service. I could therefore adjust myself without being attached to political ideologies. I was acceptable to anyone and so much so I could be the Defense Secretary in a United National Party (UNP) led government in 2001 and the Secretary to the President in 2017, led by the worst political rival of the UNP. 

My then engagement with the UNP Government has been used to interpret my current political leanings by some fake hangers-on, even after I took office as Secretary to the President. If the critics had read my book “My Belly is White” and believe what I have said regarding my being appointed as the Secretary of Defense they would clearly understand the invalidity of such comments. 

Similarly, some have been commenting of my alignment to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party because I have been appointed to my incumbent position by the President of the SLFP. The President is the best witness of what happened. 

I am only a friend of this country

I have my great respect to the President and Prime Minister, but I am not a political acolyte of their political parties. I have associated the President and the Prime Minister for 43 and 30 years respectively as a friend of this country with a truthful, independent voice. When they were fighting for peace, reconciliation, good governance and social justice through their politics, I had been helpful in their campaigns. When they were not in power there were no large crowds that you see today at their homes and offices. Some of those gathered are the very people who were their bitter opponents. But currently they enjoy exclusive posts and many worldly comforts. 

When I started working for their governments as an officer I kept aloof from politics. Like a swan that separate milk from water I could separate politics from administration! This has invited vitriolic criticism of me by those who do not understand the dynamics of governance without political servitude. 

The state is a bigger concept than government

In my public service career I have developed a rapport with party stalwarts from almost all political parties and they too looked up to me for clarifications on political history and constitution. I could do this because in my heart my concerns were larger than politics. My concern was whether  something I was about to do or say was good for my country; whether it was the just thing for all communities; whether it would build peace and serenity; whether it would enhance love and compassion to all; whether it was environmentally friendly. In my life, my conscience and my service to my country have always been more important to me than individual politicians and political power. Remember, the state is a bigger and greater concept than a government. There is a difference. May be the odd individual but I consider that these should be our mottos as public officers, rather than to venerate the wrong with bent knees.

Fake hangers on

Two of the scourges of public service is the seniority preference and political patronage. These scourges frustrate efficient, productive officers with potential to serve the country better.  The fake hangers on are a nuisance to politicians as well as to the bureaucracy. They have their personal or political agenda and try to put the politicians and bureaucrats to their own groove of thinking. What should be done is to cut off these fake intruders for reasons, and not cut real people for fake reasons. It is those who protect fake hangers on and the institutions themselves that will suffer because of it. 

In dealing with fake people I had a policy. It was to be blunt as possible. I know that sometimes I have hurt their feelings by being so. I consider it as a strength but one may consider it as a weakness.  But my saying this today I have exhibited that I am unprepared to give up this good habit!   After all I may live a few years more and trying to change my good ways now at this late stage.  Let me be the authentic Austin Fernando!

Former Indian Elections Commissioner T.N. Sheshan in his book Degeneration of India names politicians, ‘Unpublic Service’, judiciary and media as the four reasons for India’s degeneration. If you assume Sri Lanka’s public service as ‘unpublic’, then considering the criticisms on the other three components, I feel that at least if the public service does not pick up, Sri Lanka’s  degeneration will  be inevitable.  It will be difficult to achieve if politicians, public service leadership, law enforcers, judiciary, media and civil society do not individually and severally shoulder the reformation process with vigor.

In 2015 I accepted the position of advisor to the President on the request of His Excellency. I accepted the post of Governor Eastern Province on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and condoned by President. While functioning as the Governor, I continued to advice the President as an honorary service. On 30th April 2017 having evaded his request several times I gave in to the repeated request of His Excellency and conceded to being appointed President’s Secretary. The authenticity of this claim is well known by WJS Karunarathne and Mrs. Anuradha Jayawickrama.  

The one who laughs last laughs best

When I took up this job it was my intention to leave within a year or so, since it should be taken over by a younger person for grand running. I am happy that circumstances have made it possible for me to leave today to keep to my original intention, though certain intruding factors such as completely unqualified persons looking for a replacement for me while I was in office have hastened the process.

All the positions we hold are like costumes of a dance. Once the dance is finished the dancers remove their costumes and wear the new costume for the new dance. I remove my costume happily while the happy laughter of those who are happier than I for that echo in the back ground. But remember, “The one who laughs last laughs best” .I don’t know who will have the last laugh. 

I am matured enough to have successfully forgiven persons, who during my long tenure planned, executed and manipulated to cut grass under my feet,  and slung mud at me. My mind is not a dustbin to keep anger and hatred. I consider it as a treasure box to keep, love happiness and sweet memories. I think all of you will endorse that I did not keep anger, hatred and was not jealous of anyone. I always strived to treat you with love and respect without exception and reservation to keep happiness intact

True power lies in your ability to give it up

Some may wonder with only several months left to the end of the first term of Presidency, why I have not simply managed and hanged on to this powerful position? But, as there is a fair amount of young people with long careers ahead of them gathered here today, let me humbly share with you a word of wisdom: there is no inherent power in power. If there were an inherent power in power, you can’t oust those with power. The true power of power- whether it is personal, professional or political- comes with your ability to give up that power. The strength that renouncement of power gives you is unmatched by any other force. The Buddha taught us this lesson 2500 years ago. It is something important that public servants and politicians alike should reflect on. 

There nothing, no person, no position, no comfort, no luxury no hope that I cannot give up. I know very well what it is to suffer. I also know well what comfort is. If I saw something beautiful I have directly appreciated it. This is well known by those who associate me closely. I have associated kings and paupers. I have wept at the sight of mass murders at Aranthalawa, Aluth oya or Fort Bus Station. I have sung and danced in happy times. Even today it is like that. Tomorrow I will be the same. But I prefer the smell of sweat of the poor in a camp in Kilinochchi or Sampur than the smell of perfume in Colombo 7 or Paris.  This has been conditioned by my experiences in public service. Therefore today I can leave public service and lead a normal life. 

I gratefully remember who paved the way to what I am today- my parents, teachers, religious personalities who advised me, colleagues in public and private sectors, political heads, who gave a helping hand in many ways whenever I needed their strength, friends who have given me unconditional love, cracked a jokes, lessened my pain in hard times. I thank my family, especially my wife who bore my semi-public life reluctantly with enormous grace, silence and great patience. I thank my emotionally resilient and persevering children who have shared the ups and downs of my journey with philosophical jocularity. I thank my innocent grandchildren who missed my personal attention on them. This is their time. 

Hand on my heart

For the last three years I stayed away from writing. There is so much in my mind that used to produce at least two good quality Sinhala and English articles per month. I could not write these things because of the bonds of public service. After today I’m free from that bondage. It gives me new hope that now I can write and speak on public service and politics from today onwards. Especially I believe I should share my views on the spheres of politics, society and reconciliation. 

I have kept my lessons learnt in public service in my heart to be shared by anyone who needs them. I hope to publish at least a drop of it one day before I die. And if I am to do so, I must have respite. The designation of President’s Secretary is not suitable towards that end. I was able to type 250 pages of my memoirs before June 2017. Since June I have only types 10 pages. Now I can start again. I will also start writing about the last year very soon. Therefore I extend my profound thanks and gratitude to all who hastened my departure. I am respectfully grateful to them.

Recently at a meeting here in the secretariat a person sated that if you keep your ear to the earth what you will hear will shake our hearts. At that moment I thought that its’ easier to keep your hand on the heart than to keep the ear to earth. If you keep your hand to your heart you can hear an echo full of truth. Whether I keep my ear to the earth or my hand to my heart, I’m sure I will not hear any echo that shall shake my heart. I can be happy about that. 

Lalith Weeratunga, you are entwined to our lives

However echo- or-no echo, there was one sight at the twilight of my public service that shook me. That was connected to my friend Lalith Weeratunga. As most of you know him personally, what I’m about to say will forever entwined in the lives of most of us. And I must say it because almost all of you are younger than I and this advice will serve you well in your future.  

Following the verdict of the Sil Redi issue, you may have seen him being escorted to Welikada Prison. He was walking with a brave face, but helpless, most certainly with the crushed spirit. With all due respect to the judiciary, I still wonder if it is he who should have been sent to prison. Those who ordered him and the fake handers on were not to be seen on that day. The only person who was with him was my long standing dear friend, his wife, Indrani. Whether it is public service or service of the people, for an unjust or unfortunate reason when we are depressed, remember only our spouses and children will be there for us till the end. This is a reality you must internalize and repeat like a mantra. It should be your daily mantra. 

You were all my children

I say good bye to you completing over fifty years in public service wishing you all the best in your personal and professional lives. I don’t think I will be a public servant ever again. It is for tomorrow to see. My heart and my home are both open for your joys, success and sadness. I will say the following words for you to etch them in your hearts. The greatest inheritance you can leave your children is your honesty, lawfulness, respect for and humanity. There is no jewel more precious that true respect for humanity and true love for humanity. Protect that jewel, forsaking your life. As Governor of the Eastern Province, and as President’s Secretary, for the last three and a half years, you have won my special appreciation as officers, and colleagues. Some were my friends. You all were my brother and sisters and daughters and sons to me.

I no longer pat his back- but my affection is unchanged

It would be a great oversight if I don’t speak a few words about His Excellency the President. I have known him for the last 43 years when he was a young man full of personality. All these years till today we have had deep mutual love, affection, friendship, trust and personal bond.  On 8th November 2015 at his Wijerama Residence he confided in me that he was going to make a dangerous political leap. I explained to him the dangerous repercussions that can befall on himself and his family and asked him if he was willing to face them. He said yes. Then I patted him on the back and said “in that case I will take this path with you”. I still remember when I said that his eyes shined and he smiled. Since His Excellency is now the President, I no longer pat his back, but my affection for him is unchanged, even by an iota. Therefore I always extended to him the same mutual love, affection, friendship, trust and commitment as on that that day. 

With time, with his rise to the pinnacle of political life our relationship evolved accordingly. New associated materialize and the priorities of a head of state also change. Therefore if I could not adjust to politics because my core is the service of the state, and if it inconvenienced him I apologize for that. When an older person errs, many times the younger person has to forgive and forget. I hope he extends the same courtesy to me. 

I must also make special mention on Mrs. Jayanthi Sirisena whom I know for long years. During my tenure as Governor or President Secretary she never once made a single request for any special privilege or comfort. She is a great example of separating family life from political life. I say this with the greatest confidence. She is a guiding light to political authority. I wish the best of joy, health and prosperity to the President First Lady and their children. 

Your honour is the greatest inheritance for your children

Unfortunately or unintentionally if I have been harsh to anyone of you please forgive me. If I have hurt your heart, forgive me. None of that has been intentional, but situational.  You meet me on the road in future, talk to me, ask me how I am, and smile with me. I only expect that friendship from you. If anyone of you made a mistake I have taken full responsibility for it and shielded you from the President or any other official. This is because I considered you to be my children.  Without my support you would have been orphaned. I hope my successor will protect you the same way. I also hope that the President, my longtime friends Presidential Advisors WJS Karunarathne, Dr. Sarath Rajapathirana, Thilak Ranaviraja, the officials of the secretariat, personal staff of the President led by Eric Weerawardhana and the family of the President will all support the new Presidents Secretary as they have supported me. 

Always remember there is no greater jewel than your untainted honor and it is the greatest inheritance you can leave your children. 
Thank you all very much. May the noble triple gem bless you.  May God bless you. May you have health, good luck, happiness and prosperity in abundance!
Farewell.

Islamic State militant group (ISIS) announced on Tuesday that the son of its elusive leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has died in a suicide attack in the Homs province of Syria.

In a graphic released through official ISIS channels on Telegram, the jihadi group announced the death of Hudhayfah al-Badri, who shares the same birth surname as his father, Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim al-Badri, better known as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The graphic and accompanying statement was attributed to ISIS' Homs branch, Wilayah Hims, which said the son of the ISIS leader, or "khalifah," was killed battling supporters of the Syrian government.

It described Hudhayfah as being killed during an "inghimasi" operation—a term that refers to jihadis that charge enemy lines with the intent of doing maximum damage—against the "nusayriyyah," a term used by ultraconservative Sunni Muslims such as ISIS followers to describe the Alawites, a Shiite Muslim sect to which Syrian President Bashar al-Assad belongs, and Russians, which back Assad's government.

"Hudhayfah al-Badri (May Allah accept him), the son of the Khalifah (May Allah safeguard him), He was killed in an inghimasi operation against the nusayriyyah, and the Russians at the thermal power station in Hims Wilayah," the message read, accompanied by a photo of a young boy armed with a Kalashnikov-style assault rifle.

Source : Newsweek

Speaking to the media at an awareness programme of entering transport data to the Google Maps App , the Chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC), M. A. P. Hemachandra said that the NTC would launch a Google Map facility to facilitate day-to-day public transportation by the year end. 

Hemachandra underscored that while the Google navigation app is already available to the public, Google did not possess local public transport data. Therefore, the feature does not work on the app at present, he said adding that data would be uploaded and the feature is expected to be activated by the end of this year.

“With the use of this facility people can find the shortest and best route to their destinations while using public or private transportation. The updated Google Map app would be downloadable on all smartphones at the end the year,” he said.

The facility would contain information on Inter-Provincial bus routes, railway lines and provincial bus routes.

National Movement of Web Journalist’s filed a complaint with the Ceylon Electricity Board regarding illegal cable TV operations in the North and East.

The complaint requests for an immediate investigation into the use of cables for the operations of illegal cable TV services in the North and East. According to reports, several lives were lost in the Jaffna District owing to such incidents.

President of the National Movement of Web Journalist’s, Chathuranga De Alwis stated that the CEB is incurring losses due to actions of smugglers and those who engage in illegal businesses, looting from the national grid. He said that in addition to drawing their cables, they have used an anti-fire device to use the electricity from those posts.

The CEB does not see these incidents, said Chathuranga De Alwis adding that, as of yesterday, they were able to confirm that a cable TV operator had set up a post in the middle of two CEB posts in Kalmune in the east of the country and engaged in their business.

According to him, there are around 100 such posts in the Kalmune Town set by a person named Alex Kumar Balansingham.

Source : News First

India has topped the list of Sri Lanka's source markets for inbound tourism with nearly 33,000 tourists from the country arriving the island nation in the first six months this year, registering an impressive 18.7 per cent increase, according to official figures.

China, which witnessed a growth a of 18.7 per cent, came second with 20,424 arrivals.

Tourist arrivals from India grew by 18.4 per cent to 32,971 to provide the largest inbound market up to June, the figures released by the state tourist board showed.

The overall tourist arrivals in the island nation rose 19 per cent to 146,828 in June 2018 year-on-year.

Besides India and China, tourists arrival from UK and Australia also witnessed double digit growth.

Visitors from the UK grew 16.1 per cent to 12,104 and Australia grew 57 per cent to 9,997.

German arrivals fell 17.5 per cent to 7,024.

Visitors from Japan saw an increase of 3.5 per cent to 3,074, while Malaysian arrivals rose 18.3 per cent to 2,019.
(PTI)

Government sources say Provincial council elections are set to be held in December. According to reports the decision has been made following a meeting held at the parliament complex between President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on June 29. 

Minister Faiszer Musthapha, members of the provincial delimitation committee and election commissions are also said to have been in attendance. 

Recently Elections Commissioner, Mahinda Deshapriya was quoted criticising the delay of the elections.  At a meeting held between the commission and party representatives, Deshapriya had said the commission would have to resign publicly if the elections are being delayed.

“We register voters to hold elections if we aren't holding elections in the due time then why bother?” he had questioned while threatening to resign.